Microsoft poll: What do you think of Windows 8.1?

Microsoft's Windows 8 has had its fair share of critics since its launch last year, but the operating system's first major update tells us that user complaints have not been falling on deaf ears.

Windows 8.1 addresses many of the gripes that PC users had with the original build, reintroducing features such as the Start button and the boot-to-desktop option.

The final version of the refined OS will be rolled out later this year, but the Redmond company showcased the software at its Build 2013 event, and a preview version is available to try out now.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer describes Windows 8.1 as "a refined blend of our desktop experience and our modern user interface and application experience. You will see we will bring back the Start button to the desktop. You will see that if you want to boot to the desktop, you can boot the desktop.

"You will see, nonetheless, we have enriched the Start screen and the Start menu, but we have brought back the flexibility for you to see the many, many applications that you use every day in a simple and quick glance."

Given what we've seen so far, what are your impressions of the latest version of Microsoft's operating system? Vote in our poll and let us know your further thoughts in the comments box below.